Off The Beaten Path

"When you ride your bike, you're working your legs, but your mind is on a treadmill. When you play chess, your mind is clicking along, but your body is stagnating. Climbing brings it together in a beautiful, magical way. The adrenaline is flowing, and it's flowing all the time." 
-- Pat Ament

Why do I hike? Well, I am an adventurer at heart and I like to experience new things. For me, hiking gives me a chance to explore everything that nature has to offer.  

Here are some Philippine mountains you should explore the next time you are looking for a place to hike:

Mount Maculot-Rockies: My most favorite climb!!

Major Jumpoff: Mountaineer's Store, Brgy. 7 "Siete", Cuenca

Exit point (traverse): Brgy 5 (to Grotto), Cuenca

LLA: 13°55 N; 121°2 E; 706 MASL (Rockies) / 930 MASL (summit)

Days required / Hours to Rockies / summit : 1 day / 1-2 hr / 2-4 hr

Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 (Rockies); 4/9 (Traverse) Trail class 1-3.

Features: Scenic views of Taal Lake, rock formations, forests

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Mt. Tarak: My first Major Climb!

Jump off point: Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles

LLA: 14°30.357′N, 120°30′E, 1,006 MASL (ridge); 1,130 MASL (peak)

Days required / Hours to summit: 2 days, 5-6 hours

Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3

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Mt. Gulugod-baboy: Offers a 360-degree view of Batangas.
You don't want to miss the sunset/sunrise here.

Jump-off point: Philpan Dive Resort, Anilao, Mabini

LLA: 13°42'55"N; 120°53'43"E; 525 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1-2 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

Features: Scenic views of Batangas Bay and Balayan Bay

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Pico De Loro:  Recommended for a day-hike.
 The trails are friendly and the views are awesome. Don't miss to climb the monolith!

Major jump-off: Magnetic Hill, Ternate

LLA: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3

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Mt. Manalmon

Major jump-off: Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul, San Miguel

LLA: 15°15.11'N; 121°1.22' E; 196 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1 hour

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

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Mt. Pinatubo

Major jump-off: Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac

LLA: 15°8'35"N, 120°20'54"E, 960 MASL

Days required / Hours to crater: 1 day, 45 min 4x4 + 2 hrs hike

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1

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Mt. Bira-bira: Perfect for Beginners!

Major Jumpoff: Sitio San Martin, Subic

LLA: 14°49.03N, 120°06.25E, 450 MASL

Days required / Hours to cove: 1-2 days / 3-4 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-2

Features: River crossing, beach

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Mt. Gola

Major jump-off: Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul, San Miguel

Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1 hour

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

Easy to Moderate Climb

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In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.  ~John Muir